He has Overcome

Dr. Edward Judson, in speaking of the life of his father, Adoniram Judson, said “Suffering and success go together. If you are succeeding without suffering, it is because others before you have suffered; if you are suffering without succeeding, it is that others after you may succeed.”

We are all given a unique calling by God one that was never said would be easy. In fact, scripture tells us many times that we WILL face troubles. In John 16:33 it says, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace in the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Maybe it’s just me and my super optimistic view on life, but when I read that verse my heart jumps with joy. Think about it this way, it says he HAS overcame the world NOT WILL overcome the world. Our peace doesn’t come from how easy life is or through the absence of troubles and pain. Our peace comes from the knowledge and faith that God has already defeated the bondage sin has on us and he gives us the power and strength to overcome those troubles. He provides all the grace we need to respond in love to those who try and strike us down.

I never thought I would get to where I am today the way I did. For as long as I can remember I prayed and hoped that one day I would work with a diverse group of youth, this is a vision I’ve had since I was probably in 2nd or 3rd grade (as crazy as that sounds). Little did I know I would have to make huge sacrifices along my Christian walk, mostly during my teen years, in order to be a good role model and stay true and faithful to God so I could pursue this calling. I can’t even begin to tell you how bad I sometimes wanted to attend the parties my friends had or even experience getting drunk or trying to get high because everyone was doing it and they always talked it up. I resisted the urge to do all of that and it came with a price, but God was faithful and blessed me in more ways than I can even remember. Even starting up my Collision Small group at my high school was tough; sometimes students wouldn’t come or it would be just one, sometimes even when we had a decent sized group people were falling asleep or getting distracted in other ways. I started to get pretty discouraged at times but God never fails to lift up a heavy heart. I always knew change didn’t come instantaneously and God taught me so much along that journey. Like I said it was tough, but not impossible. Now I oversee that high school as part of my role as Collision staff, and it is really close to being able to function without me even being there now because of how many leaders we have and all the students that attend. If there’s one thing you get out this I hope it’s this: Life is tough and so is your life as a believer, but don’t forget our God is a God of love. He provides strength when you are weak, hope when you are discouraged, and boldness and wisdom when you need it. Don’t let the enemy blind you from what God is providing for you. Hope you all have a blessed and encouraging day!

PRAISE:

• The Testimony and worship nights were super, amazing and extremely encouraging. No matter the numbers we had, we had some amazing testimonies shared and getting to pray for students afterwards was such a blessing. Students were encouraged in how God is moving through them in the schools and in their homes. (Click on the image below to see a recap video of the Middle School Worship and Testimony Night):

• Antonio- I’m extremely excited to be back and working with my students again (after some time away in Greece and Ukraine). They took on a big challenge delivering the gospel in a different style than they were used to at New Tech High. I am super proud of them because I know they learned a lot from this experience.

Prayer Requests:

• That students and our staff would keep being intentional about praying for people that God is putting in our life as well as sharing the gospel with more boldness.

• That hope and encouragement would flood the hearts of those who are dealing with tough situations at the moment.

Continued from Scriptural Prayers for the Next Generation by Arlyn Lawrence:

• Passion for Christ. Holy Spirit, anoint this generation with Your power so they will be dynamic witnesses for Jesus Christ. Strengthen them to speak God’s Word boldly and to be prepared to explain their hope in Christ. Give them passion to make many disciples of Jesus Christ. (Acts 1:8, 4:29; 1 Pet. 3:15; Mt. 28:19-20)

• Role Models. God, reinforce Your truths to these young people through Christian mentors. May these older believers tell of Your praiseworthy deeds and be role models of right relationships, integrity, sound speech and reverence. (Ps. 78:4; Titus 2:3-8)

• Sexuality. God, shield our youth by Your power. May Your Truth set them free from the lies of the enemy regarding sex. Strengthen them to flee sexual immorality and to reserve the good gift of sex for marriage. (1 Pet. 1:5; Jn. 8:32; 1 Cor. 6:18; Heb. 13:4)

• Submission to Authority. May the next generation submit to You, Lord, and to the leaders You have placed over them. Give them grace to obey and honor their parents, so that they may enjoy a long life. (Heb. 13:17; Eph. 6:2-3)

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